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Teen killed while 'car surfing'

Kimberly Boim

Dawson Advertiser

Updated:
June 11, 2013, 12:07 p.m.

A 16-year-old Dawson County High School soccer player was killed late Monday while "car surfing," according to authorities.

Anna Gabrielle Hawkins was sitting or standing on the roof of the vehicle when the driver lost control, said Georgia State Patrol Senior Trooper Mark Cox.

"The vehicle was traveling south on Couch Road and the preliminary report indicates Miss Hawkins was 'car surfing,'" Cox said. "The vehicle entered a right-hand curve too fast and the driver lost control. The vehicle traveled across the northbound lane along the shoulder, hit an embankment, then came back into the roadway, throwing Miss Hawkins off the roof. She hit the pavement and sustained substantial head injuries."

According to Cox, Hawkins died at the scene, but was transported to Northside Hospital-Forsyth.

No signs of drugs or alcohol were found at the scene, Cox said.

Charges are pending against a 16-year-old Cumming girl who was driving the car. She was not seriously injured, Cox said.

"She hadn't had her license very long, and it's still under investigation," he said. "But the law states you have to have six months' experience before you can transport anyone besides family."

According to Cox, members of the GSP's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team are involved. They will do an incident report, then turn the investigation over the Dawson County district attorney.

"I've heard of car surfing and have seen it in the movies," he said, "but in my 18 years of law enforcement, I've never seen anything like this."

Hawkins received Dawson County High School's soccer MVP "Golden Boot" last season, according to Head Coach Jed Lacey.

"She's the greatest kid I've ever coached in my life," Lacey said. "She was the heart and soul of our soccer team. She always had a smile on her face. You'd be proud to have her as your daughter. This is a real shocker. I'm in serious pain."

Lacey named Hawkins team captain last season.

"She was the best of the best," he added.

Arrangements are being handled by Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, according to its Director Greg Briscoe.